Just over a week ago another 13 people were arrested in conjunction with a cheating probe into the national standardized test, the SAT. The SAT is the nation's most widely used college admission exam.
The probe into test fraud began earlier this year after a faculty member at a New York high school heard rumors that students were paying someone else to take the SAT for them. By looking at students that took the test at a different location (other than their home high school) and comparing the results to the student's current academic records, school administrators were able to pinpoint a six students who they thought may have cheated on the exam.
As a result of the investigation, seven people were arrested back in September. This most recent around of arrests in late November brings the total to 20 people involved in test fraud.
In this most recent round of tests, four of those arrested were the alleged test-takers. Law enforcement officials believe that they were paid between $500 and $3,600 to take the college entrance exam for the actual students. They have been charged with several felonies, including a scheme to defraud, falsifying business records and criminal impersonation.
The students who paid the test takers were also arrested. However, their names will not be released to the public as the records will be sealed. Each is being facing misdemeanor charges and will be treated as juvenile offenders.
According to media reports, the test-takers were all known via word of mouth and referrals from other students.
Source: NBC New York.com, "13 More Arrested in SAT Cheating Scandal," 11/22/11.
